Williams Syndrome

  • Williams Syndrome is a genetic condition that is present at birth and can affect anyone.
  • It is characterized by medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning disabilities. These occur side by side with striking verbal abilities, highly social personalities, and an affinity for music.
  • Williams Syndrome affects 1 in 10,000 people worldwide – an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 people in the U.S. It is known to occur equally in males and females in every culture.

Signs & Symptoms:

  • Facial features
    • Small upturned nose
    • Long upper lip
    • Wide mouth
    • Full lips
    • Small chin
    • Puffiness around the eyes
  • Excessively social personality
  • Developmental or learning disabilities
  • Attention deficit disorder/short attention span
  • Sensitive hearing
  • No fear of strangers
  • Prefers adults over peers
  • Poor balance and motor skills

Other Complications & Considerations:

  • Difficulty with spatial awareness, numbers, and abstract reasoning
  • Inability to process nuanced social cues
  • Hernias
  • Musculoskeletal problems
  • Dental abnormalities
  • Hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium levels)